NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI Chestnut Project Update: USDA reopening public comment period for GMO chestnut tree.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reopened the public comment period recently on a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) drafted in response to the petition seeking deregulation of the genetically modified chestnut tree known as Darling 54 (formerly known as Darling 58).
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 12, 2025)
The One Feather will now provide weekly legislative updates on various pieces of federal legislation of interest to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The bills are shown in the order in which they were introduced following the new bills for the week.
Graham County man sentenced to 19 years in prison on drug, DV charges
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced that a Graham County jury found Keith Mark Tipton guilty of four criminal charges, resulting in a minimum active sentence of 231 months, or 19.25 years in prison.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
LETTER: A thank you from a graduate
I decided a little over two years ago that in order to find a new level of growth and inner peace, that I needed to see the world.
Qualla Boundary Public Library holds “Edutsi’s Garden” Book Release
On the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 16, Qualla Boundary Public Library held a book release for “Edutsi Uwisvnvi (Edutsi’s Garden)” by the late Cherokee fluent speaker JC Wachacha.
“Joy in chaos;” The giving heart of the Ice Cream Social
Jason Tremko, Army JROTC instructor at Cherokee Central Schools and owner of the Ice Cream Social, is using his food truck to provide relief efforts in Canton and Mitchell County following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Thankful that He thinks of us
I am inspired and awestruck when I try to imagine the grandeur of our God. When I am down or lonely, depressed, or confused, I think about how God is there to lean on anytime, all the time. God is good, and these verses are meant to remind us.
COMMENTARY: The importance of giving thanks and those desperate to help
I have had a roller coaster ride with my emotions over the past two months. Sept. 27, 2024, will forever be in my memory and my wife’s. It was the day that we lost our home of 36 years to the flood waters of Hurricane Helene.
COMMENTARY: Stop highlighting Cherokee objects
I’ve recently read an article titled “Carving a Path: The Future of Cherokee Art Collection” in my local paper about Driver Blythe’s journey into the world of art collection. While the article attempted to bring attention to a Cherokee centric view of art appreciation/appraisal, I believe it misses the point of art, specifically our Cherokee art.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Blankenship to be inducted into NCADA Hall of Fame
A longtime educator at Swain County High School is being named to the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) Hall of Fame. Neil Blankenship, a first descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is being inducted into Hall of Fame at the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, N.C. on March 27.
INDOOR TRACK: Cherokee hosts Smoky Mountain Conference Indoor Track Championship
One Feather Staff Report CHEROKEE, N.C. – Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted the Smoky Mountain Conference Indoor Track Championship on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 3. The Cherokee Braves took second place overall in the men’s team event with 114 just behind...
FOOTBALL: Kensen Davis signs with Lenoir-Rhyne University
Kensen Davis, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School, will be continuing his athletic career at the next level. He signed a letter of intent, to play football at Lenoir-Rhyne University, during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 1.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Francisco Esparza Jr.
Francisco Esparza Jr., age 50, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at Mission Hospital after a brief illness.
OBITUARY: Amanda Lee Beck Bevis
Amanda Lee Beck Bevis, 82, of the Qualla Community, passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at her residence.
OBITUARY: Justin Ray Queen
Justin Ray Queen, 23, of Cherokee NC, had a change of address on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. He no longer resides in Cherokee but is now living in his heavenly home with his Maker and King.
HAPPENINGS
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park to host battle anniversary
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host the 204th Anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe on Saturday, March 24.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 2-4
Note: This list of pow wows was compiled by One Feather staff. The One Feather does not endorse any of these dances. It is simply a listing of ones occurring throughout the continent. Please call before traveling.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Feb. 23-25
Note: This list of pow wows was compiled by One Feather staff. The One Feather does not endorse any of these dances. It is simply a listing of ones occurring throughout the continent. Please call before traveling.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
River Kane to host Inaugural Christmas Toy Drive for Cherokee Youth
River Kane, an emerging rock band based out of Cherokee, is hosting their inaugural Christmas Toy Drive benefiting Cherokee Youth at their upcoming concert on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
Cherokee Performing Arts to present “Braves on Broadway”
The Cherokee Performing Arts Program, formerly the Cherokee Musical Theatre, is presenting a night full of song, dance, acting, and more as “Braves on Broadway” will take the stage next month.
Concert Celebrating Manco Sneed and Cherokee Fiddle coming to Museum
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer a free concert celebrating the fiddle tunes of Manco Sneed, an EBCI tribal member, at 2pm on Sunday, Oct. 7 in the Multipurpose Room of the Ken Blankenship Education wing.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm
















